Adventurer Jack Meissner set out on Feb. 13, 1948, to cross-country ski from Mount Hood to Crater Lake, a feat that had never been done by anyone. He was 28 years old.
Meissner said he would carry a 55-pound pack that contained what he would need for the journey. The Civil Air Patrol, however, studied the route with him and devised a plan to make supply drops for him at shelters on the way.
A Eugene outdoors group, the Obsidians, offered two trained carrier pigeons, Homer and Cynthia, to relay his condition. After one planned supply and pigeon drop was completed, harsh weather continued and the pigeons did not return. Many feared they were dead, but a few days later the one named Cynthia returned with a note on her leg from Meissner, saying that he had gotten to the drop zone. The pigeon Homer made it home four days after Cynthia. There was fear of the worst for Meissner, but he had successfully found the supplies and the pigeons.
Fifty-three days from his starting date, Meissner skied into Crater Lake Park having completed his
300-mile adventure
Sources: “Crater Lake Winter: Cross Country Skiing Adventure.” blog.usparklodging.com. 14 Dec. 2011. Web. 5 June 2015; “Young Skier Tells Plans for Venture.” Register-Guard. 12 Feb. 1948. (Eugene): 1+ Web. 5 June 2015.
